Travel with Confidence: Safety in Egypt for the LGBTQ Community
Egypt is a country located in the Middle East, with a predominantly Muslim population and a military regime. Due to its cultural and religious structure, there are restrictions on freedom of worship, expression, and sexual behavior, reflecting conservative social norms. However, this does not mean that traveling to Egypt as part of the LGBTQ+ community is frightening or unfeasible
Much of the information circulating about Egypt tends to exaggerate the risks, especially for LGBTQ+ tourists. It is important to understand that Egypt receives around 16 million visitors from all over the world each year, with tourism representing a significant part of the local economy — approximately 8% of GDP. The country has ambitious plans to increase this number to 30 million within the next six years, with the clear goal of attracting diverse audiences
Although the majority of the population is Muslim and homosexuality is socially disapproved of, especially in a conservative and male-dominated society, LGBTQ+ people exist and live in the country, often discreetly, to avoid social issues. For LGBTQ+ travelers, the main recommendation is to respect local customs and avoid any behavior that might draw unnecessary attention, such as public displays of affection — something that, in general, is uncommon even among heterosexual couples
Não há leis específicas que penalizem estrangeiros por sua orientação sexual, desde que o comportamento seja discreto e respeitoso. Portanto, a dica fundamental é não provocar e compreender que o Egito tem uma cultura diferente da brasileira ou ocidental, onde certas liberdades podem ser limitadas.
In terms of safety, Egypt is considered a very safe country, especially compared to various regions of Latin America and even parts of Europe. It is common to see people walking in the streets, even late at night, without major concerns. Robberies and assaults are relatively rare, as laws are strict and police control is effective.
In summary, LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy a rich cultural experience in Egypt with peace of mind, as long as they are prepared to respect local cultural and social differences. Planning and caution are essential, but Egypt is open to welcoming tourists of all profiles, always valuing safety and hospitality
